Hello and welcome to Chesapeake Digital Technology´s blog. We’re an information technology firm in Maryland. We provide several services, like Internet Marketing and Technical Support to small and medium business.
Congratulations! Your small business is expanding. You might even have an IT guy/gal working for you now. This is a big step. He/She has told you that since the company is growing, you’ll likely need a server to help out soon. However, you don’t know where to start. We can help. Here is a list of reasons why you might need a server. Take a close look and see if any match your organization.
Hosting Software
Some software requires that you host (install and run) it from a server. This is usually true of database software or some other records keeping programs. For example, Champion’s Way’s MAS software, designed to help martial arts studios track vital statistics, will only run from a server. Take note of software you might need in the future and what it requires to run.
Storing Data
Along the lines of running software, storing data in a central location, not tied to any one user is often a good idea. This is good as servers have redundant drives where workstations usually do not and keeps one person from having too much control, though you will still need to trust some people to keep the server up and running (usually your IT employee). This ties into another important consideration for servers.
Security
Keeping PCs secure from viruses and malware is one thing. However, you need to start putting protections in place to prevent people from just sitting down and accessing your network. Security settings on servers (for example, those running Windows Server 2008 R2), can give you the control you need to make sure that you are meeting the “prudent man” standards. That is to say, doing what is reasonable to protect yourself.
Internal Email Hosting
This is sort of a hassle, but setting up your email system internally can be a great benefit to a growing organization. Using a Microsoft environment (Windows Server 2008 R2, Exchange 2010) for example, allows you to integrate your various pieces of software. Interoffice emails won’t depend on an external connection, leading to faster send/receive times and occasionally sustained productivity in the event of an Internet outage.
-Josh
Chesapeake Digital Technologies
